Original subtitles

Even I've never heard of the salt mountain in go-San nation. Who told you that?

I heard it from my mother.

My ha-baek grandfather told her there's a mountain full of salt in go-San nation.

Through this expedition, I've confirmed that what my grandfather said was true.

All of this could be accomplished, due to my mother who told me about the salt mountain,

as well as leader so seo-no who led this expedition.

I've heard stories about the outstanding daughter of chief yeon ta-bal.

I see that they were true indeed.

You have done well.

Your majesty's favors are immeasurable.

General.

Yes, your majesty.

There will be no war with ok-jeo.

Order the soldiers to take off their armour and disarm their weapons.

I, general heuk-chi, in obedience to your majesty's orders.

Tax officer.

Yes, your majesty.

Order the yeom gwan to distribute salt to the people, who have been living on inadequate salt all this time.

Yes, your majesty.

I will hold a banquet for prince ju-mong and the trade expedition team.

All are to attend, without fail.

Yes, your majesty.

Episode 19 my lord! We're back.

We're late because we had some trouble on the way.

I know. Oo-tae told me.

All of you have done well.

Did miss go straight to the palace?

Of course! Who knows, she may even come back with a great reward.

My lord, please get ready to enter the palace as well.

Thanks to so seo-no, I might just receive a toast from geum-wa.

By stopping a war with ok-jeo, miss really did a great achievement.

That's right! But another war has been created.

I mean, prince ju-mong and prince dae-so's competition will be even fiercer.

That's like having a war, isn't it?

All of you should go in and get some rest.

Yes, my lord

long time no see, leader gye-pil.

When did you arrive? Why did you...?

She brought salt from gyehru.

You have done well.

We have been deceived by that guy.

He left the palace and showed no interest in the crown prince competition,

keeping us in the dark about his actions

only to strike us from behind.

Didn't you say that the haeng-in nation bandits captured and killed ju-mong?

I am sorry.

Praises for prince ju-mong have been circulating widely throughout the palace.

Praises? What kind of praises are you talking about?

It's okay. Just say what you have heard.

Forgive me for saying this, but I will say it upon your highness's orders.

For the sake of buyeo, prince yeong-po produced 1,000 sacks of salt,

prince dae-so produced 10,000 sacks of salt,

but prince ju-mong produced salt that can last for many generations,

thus become the favourite in the crown prince competition.

What rubbish is that!

Your highness,

although princes dae-so and young-po both have have made great accomplishments,

it is a fact that prince ju-mong has made the greatest accomplishment.

So, from now on, the princes must exceed what ju-mong has accomplished.

Elder brother.

Yes, your highness.

If ju-mong becomes the crown prince, I will not rest in peace even after I die.

What am I to do about this?

Mother, I will help elder brother and ensure that he definitely becomes the crown prince.

You just take care of yourself.

Dae-so my son, why are you so quiet?

Please say something.

Mother, this is not the end yet.

This is just the beginning.

I will never let you down.

Please rest your worries.

I shall go back to my trade clan.

Let's go and meet my mother first.

I'll make a proper visit to her later.

She's not bound by formalities. Don't worry.

I'm sure she wants to see you too. Let's go!

Mother.

You have arrived.

My name is so seo-no.

You must've been worried sick.

I was very shocked when I heard you were captured by bandits.

But now I am glad to see that you are back, safe and sound.

All this is only possible because of miss so seo-no.

That's not true.

It's the duty of the leader to protect the trade expedition team.

All thanks to my lady and the prince, we learned about the salt mountain in go-San nation.

This brought us great profits, my father and I should be the ones who are thankful.

How did you get released by the bandits?

In order to save me,

miss came to the bandits' stockade and negotiated with the bandit chief.

You mean she actually went to the bandits' stockade?

Yes!

The bandits ended up as bodyguards for our trade expedition team all the way to go-San nation.

I had the impression that you were delicate and frail

who would have guessed that you had been so courageous!

You flatter me.

I was just lucky.

Last time on my way to shi-Jo mountain, it was also miss who saved me from sinking into the quicksand swamp.

Really?

Yes.

The prince has also saved my life before.

After he joined our trade expedition team, I have learned a lot.

Till now I have yet to greet my father.

I shall take my leave now.

Very well. Mu-duek.

Yes, my lady.

Please escort the miss.

Please tell chief yeon ta-bal that I'll visit him soon.

She saved your life twice. There seems to be a special affinity between the two of you.

Do you still have the ring that I gave you?

Yes.

No thoughts of giving that ring to her?

Well... not yet.

I see.

Consider wisely.

I will.

Your highness!

I can explain.

What's going on?

Didn't you tell me that there was no doubt ju-mong was killed by the bandits?

Do you know how humiliated I was because of you?

Your highness!

Please forgive me. Please... please spare my life!

This, is the severing of all ties I had with you.

Chief!

You bastard!

You know, the lady suddenly wanted to go to the bandits' stockade.

She must have been out of her mind!

This fella not only didn't stop her, he even wanted to accompany her!

My goodness! That just drove me crazy!

What if I had to go with them too? My heart was beating so hard...

To catch a tiger, one has to enter the tiger's cave.

I too was shocked at miss's boldness.

I think she's even more fearless than you, chief.

I don't think you should call that fearless.

That's pure foolishness.

She was just lucky, that's all.

If I was the bandit chief,

I would've killed everyone to take revenge for my past humiliations.

Situations as dangerous as this, once is enough.

Never do that ever again.

Take heed of oo-tae's words, and from now on, in any situation, always weigh the pros and cons and decide wisely.

Yes, father.

I was quite surprised after hearing about the connection between go-San nation's salt mountain and prince ju-mong

me too.

I was so shocked I got goose pimples all over.

It looks like prince ju-mong's ancestors have everything prepared for prince ju-mong.

If so, to actually hire someone like prince ju-mong will have to be the most amazing thing of all.

Now, let's get ready to enter the palace.

Yes, my lord.

What is it you want to say?

I believe miss has set her heart on prince ju-mong.

Thank you.

Come forward quickly.

Take this.

Thank you.

You have worked hard.

That's nothing.

All of you, do you want salt? Or bronze coins?

Bronze coins please.

Bronze coins.

Please give me bronze coins too.

Hold on. Take this too.

What's this?

This? Sa-yong says this is especially for you.

Huh?

Hey!

I heard that you have all returned. How have you been?

I'm fine.

How about prince ju-mong?

Nothing bad happened to him. Don't worry.

That's a great relief.

Since we have returned from the expedition,

we will soon redeem you from here.

This is my earnings from the expedition.

Take it.

I am going to attend a banquet held by his majesty. It really feels like a dream, general hyeop-Bo!

Of course, prime minister ma-ri.

I feel like I am dreaming too.

Oh-yi, why aren't you getting ready?

Ready for what? I am not going.

Are you out of your mind?

Hey you, do you think you will get another chance to attend banquets like that in your entire lifetime?

Get up quickly!

Damn it!

What's wrong with him?

No idea.

I heard that you have melted the hearts of the buyeo princes.

Who said so?

Not from anyone in particular. The news has spread all over gyehru already.

Whoever you choose must be someone of benefit to gyehru as well.

- Aunt. - Therefore, choose wisely.

While going on this expedition with prince ju-mong, I had a strange feeling.

Till now, I had always regarded my relationships with people as transactions,

always calculating how to reap the most profits.

This time it was different.

If I had calculated this time, would I have gone into the bandits' stockade?

Although I said it was a business transaction, there was neither business nor transaction.

I just wanted to save prince ju-mong, that's all.

- Your highness! - Your highness!

How have you been?

How could anything bad happen when I'm protecting him?

You did well.

Thanks!

I heard that your highness has done a great service for buyeo.

I'm so proud of you!

The palace is filled with praise of your highness.

Never mind the competition! Your highness is bound to become the crown prince!

Of course!

Is stopping a war an easy feat?

Please don't say anymore.

The real competition has just begun.

From now on,

all my energy will go into discovering the secret of the puddling steel method.

I hope leader and mu-song can join me in this.

Yes, your highness.

So-ryeong

yes.

Have you seen prince ju-mong?

Yes, from afar.

You said an unidentifiable energy was pressing down on you.

Do you think that came from prince ju-mong?

I'm not sure, but he seems to have extraordinary qualities.

He resolved a problem that has been with buyeo for many generations.

Of course he has extraordinary qualities.

The problem lies in whether those qualities will bring harm to buyeo's sun.

Yeo mi-eul.

The banquet held by his majesty is about to begin.

Aren't you attending?

I won't be attending. You can go without me.

You may have your own conflict with his majesty, but if you don't attend this banquet,

it won't look right.

Please go.

You go yourself.

Why did you come out alone?

High priestess yeo mi-eul doesn't wish to go.

We are in big trouble.

If her conflict with his majesty deepens, none of us are going to have it easy either.

- According to the queen her majesty, priestess ma oo-ryeong can... - Don't say it.

What did her majesty say?

Her majesty said that it would be good if priestess ma oo-ryeong can replace yeo mi-eul.

Only the heavens can choose the person who becomes high priestess.

It is not up to our desires and preferences.

Please be careful with your words.

Yes.

You must have been happy that ju-mong did such a great service for buyeo.

This is all due to your majesty's good grace.

In the past, that child caused much worry when he was kicked out of the palace.

Now, it is extremely fortunate that he has been reinstated as prince.

However if he only looks at achievements, he may act rashly in the tasks he has to do. Take heed of my words.

If you recall the accident that ju-mong caused the last time,

it is possible that he may make mistakes again in the future.

Although his latest achievement is very great,

don't you think that it is still insufficient to cover all of his past misdeeds?

I will bear that in mind.

The queen doesn't try to hide her original intentions at all.

You felt it as well?

Yes, my lady.

Let's go.

It's almost time for the banquet. What are you doing here?

I'm not going.

I don't think I can bear to see that gleeful look on ju-mong's face.

You pathetic fool!

Don't say I'm a pathetic fool! I also did my best!

What?

When will you stop calling me a pathetic fool?

Although I am not not as good as you, I don't deserve to be called a pathetic fool.

All right. I apologize.

But you still need to attend the banquet.

I am also frustrated whenever I think about ju-mong's achievements.

But if I show my frustration, that means he has defeated us twice.

The more frustrated you are, the calmer you must act.

Let's go.

Ju-mong, so seo-no and chief yeon ta-bal, please step forward.

The salt that prince ju-mong, so seo-no, and chief yeon ta-bal have found,

relieves the suffering of the buyeo people and me.

I will never forget your achievement.

Drink.

Your majesty's favors are immeasurable.

Prince ju-mong found the go-San nation's salt mountain that no one knew about,

thus solving a problem that has troubled buyeo for many generations.

This is the biggest achievement of all.

As his reward, I will Grant him one wish.

Your majesty.

Prince ju-mong's achievement is indeed great and worthy of a reward,

- but the crown prince competition... - Prime minister.

I know what you're trying to say.

I won't decide who will be the crown prince just by looking at this achievement.

Don't worry.

Tell me what your wish is.

Your majesty.

Although I am the one who knew about the salt mountain in go-San nation,

leader so seo-no is the one who believed me and led the dangerous expedition to negotiate the deal at the salt mountain.

My achievement is nothing compared to what she has done.

The reward that your majesty is giving should go to leader so seo-no.

Then so seo-no can tell me her wish.

I will give you anything you ask for.

Just say it.

Your majesty.

I am happy that the trade expedition team I led could be of some help to buyeo.

My wish is for the buyeo royal family and our gyehru clan to continue friendly relations like what we have today.

It is commendable that you put your clan's interests above your own.

I will Grant your wish and promise that gyehru and buyeo will have friendly relations for eternity.

Your majesty's favors are immeasurable.

Today's a day of celebration for all the buyeo people.

Everybody, drink to your fullest and enjoy all you can!

Miss.

Prince dae-so would like to see you.

I have escorted the lady here.

You're here!

I want to thank you, for doing so much for buyeo.

You flatter me.

I was just lucky while I was leading the trade expedition team.

I'm glad, not because you did a great service but because you returned safe and sound.

When I heard that you were in danger at haeng-in nation, I wanted to rush there immediately.

Regretfully, I couldn't go because of the war preparations with ok-jeo.

I was so worried for you I couldn't sleep at night.

It's great to see that you are back safely.

I am sorry for troubling you.

So seo-no.

Yes?

I'm going to do whatever it takes to become the crown prince and future king.

And I will make you my queen.

What are you talking about?

Why are you going to hyeon-to city?

Last time when I went to hyeon-to city to settle conflicts with the han nation,

I made an agreement with the hyeon-to city governor, Yang-jeong.

What agreement did you have with Yang-jeong?

Yang-jeong said he will help me succeed the throne.

Yang-jeong's support will help me greatly to become the crown prince, and later, to become king.

However, his majesty rejected the han nation's request for reinforcements from buyeo,

and even wanted to go to war with the han nation.

Yang-jeong must be quite offended.

Thus, I will go to hyeon-to city and pacify his anger.

If that's what you must do, then go.

No one must know that I'm going to hyeon-to city. Please keep it a secret.

Also, if his majesty asks for me while I'm in hyeon-to city, please appease him for me, mother.

I understand.

I will manage well.

Be careful and come back safely.

Your majesty. Prince ju-mong is here.

Let him in.

Your majesty was looking for me?

Yes. Sit down.

Ju-mong

yes?

I've never been more proud of you than I was today.

Not only because of your great achievement,

but because I can see that you have become a different person from the past.

You did not betray the faith I had in you.

Great deeds can be accomplished anytime, but changing a person is very difficult.

I'm very glad that you've changed for the better.

I still have a long way to go.

I have an important task for you.

In the name of special envoy,

you will go to hyeon-to city and pass Yang-jeong my personal letter.

Although it's a temporary position until you return from hyeon-to city, you will be representing me.

Meet Yang-jeong in a dignified, fearless manner.

Your majesty,

a task like this should be given to brother dae-so...

You do it. I know you're tired from the long trip, but I want you to do it.

This responsibility is beyond my capacity.

Please let someone else do it.

Is anyone outside?

I will be sending my personal letter to Yang-jeong early in the morning.

The special envoy who will bring my letter is prince ju-mong.

You are to make arrangements for the trip and accompany the prince.

Yes, your majesty.

What did you just say?

Prince ju-mong will be sending his majesty's letter as a special envoy.

Elder brother. This is ridiculous!

Special envoy?

That position has control over all diplomatic decisions, even without his majesty's approval!

This can't be happening! This can't be happening!

A task like going into hyeon-to city as a special envoy should belong to brother dae-so!

How can anyone forget his big achievement where he negotiated with Yang-jeong last time?

Elder brother, what are we going to do?

Let's meet all the court officials immediately and tell his majesty how unwise his decision is.

Yes, your majesty.

I can't believe it.

When dae-so made a big achievement, his majesty just said "you have done well."

When ju-mong that brat made an achievement, he's ready to give him everything.

Right from the beginning,

his majesty only has ju-mong in his heart.

Mother

I must go see his majesty myself.

Your highness, please restrain yourself.

No matter how great prince ju-mong's achievement is...

I don't understand how a person inexperienced in state affairs can become a special envoy

that's what I'm talking about.

Isn't the experienced prince dae-so more qualified to be the special envoy and meet Yang-jeong?

This just doesn't make sense

although this is an exception, I think prince ju-mong's accomplishment proves his capabilities.

He managed to solve the salt issue, which is buyeo's oldest problem, didn't he?

I agree with the foreign affairs minister.

Let's trust him and give him a chance.

This time, his majesty is sending buyeo's message through this letter, which is the special envoy's main task.

There are no pending issues that the special envoy will need to resolve anyway.

Also, this may be a way his majesty recognizes prince ju-mong's achievements

by elevating his status and letting him meet Yang-jeong.

Have you ever seen his majesty change his orders after he has made up his mind?

Let's just sit back and watch what happens.

The prime minister must be thinking that I gave ju-mong a task he doesn't deserve, right?

No.

How can I fathom your majesty's deepest thoughts?

I can oniy trust and follow your majesty's wise decisions.

I will choose the crown prince from among the three princes.

But I don't want the two remaining princes to become incompetent.

Regardless of who becomes the crown prince,

I want the other two princes to assist the crown prince and bring buyeo to greater heights.

I think I finally understand your intentions.

Yeo mi-eul didn't attend the banquet.

Your majesty,

please don't hoid any grudges towards high priestess yeo mi-eul anymore.

While we were preparing for the war against ok-jeo,

she offered worship rituals to the heavens, day and night, for your majesty and buyeo.

Perhaps that issue was resolved

because the heavens were moved by her sincerity.

Your majesty,

if you continue to hold grudges against high priestess yeo mi-eul, it may agitate the people.

What she did to general hae mo-su was for the interests of buyeo.

However I see it, prince ju-mong seems to be leading in the competition.

No matter how great his achievement is,

prince ju-mong must never succeed the throne of buyeo.

But there's not much we can do if his majesty wants to give him the throne.

Prince ju-mong will obstruct the sun of buyeo, as hae mo-su did a long time ago.

What do you mean?

Prince ju-mong broke the sacred ta-mul bow of buyeo!

It is obvious he's an offspring of hae mo-su, not his majesty.

I'm going to do whatever it takes to become the crown prince and future king

and I will make you my queen.

This is the king's sword, which you will carry in my place.

Speak my words to Yang-jeong with dignity and fearlessness.

I will obey your majesty's commands and fulfill my duty as the special envoy.

Look who's here.

Are you looking for me?

How can you do this to me?

What about our agreement? Why did you save prince ju-mong?

I didn't make any agreement.

What?

You are not a businessman, are you?

If you are, then you surely will know why I saved prince ju-mong.

I felt that saving him will be more profitable than killing him.

My judgement was right.

I earned so much profit, I don't need to be a bandit anymore!

Let's go.

I don't even feel iike eating. Take it away!

Bu-young

yes?

You worked in the divination palace before, right?

Yes

how can I meet the high priestess?

Why do you want to meet her?

I am troubled. Nothing's been working out for me lately.

If I can meet the high priestess, maybe she can help me perform a worship ritual to the heavens to receive some blessings.

High priestess yeo mi-eul doesn't do personal favors.

If you need blessings from the heavens, you can look for the the shamans at the market.

You mean those people? They are all imposters!

They don't have any supernatural powers. They just want money.

Is there really no way I can meet high priestess yeo mi-eul?

Yes.

All right. You can go.

Chief!

Get out!

Get out immediately, you scoundrel!

Chief!

Hold on. I can leave if you want, but please hear me out first.

You bastard! Can I ever trust you again?

I don't even want to see your face anymore! Get out now!

Chief!

Please trust me for one last time, I guarantee you.

What is it?

I know of a way we can win prince young-po's trust again.

Tell me.

Governor, buyeo's prince dae-so has come to visit you.

Dae-so?

Let him in.

Welcome, prince dae-so,

we were just talking about you.

I never knew there was a salt mountain that big in go-San nation.

Why didn't you tell me this earlier?

If I had known about it, I would've gone all out to prevent him from reaching go-San nation!

Nobody in the buyeo palace knew about it either.

If ju-mong becomes the crown prince,

relations between buyeo and the han nation will worsen greatly.

Have a drink?

No, your highness.

Sit down.

I'm getting lonelier day by day.

Why exactly did I rush all the way here, secretly without anyone's knowledge,

to make a deal with Yang-jeong?

Your highness did all this in order to get the buyeo throne.

Your highness must persevere.

Na-ru

yes

when I become king,

I will ensure that those who caused me this much pain and anguish will suffer to no end.

What did you just say?!

Prince ju-mong of buyeo has come as a special envoy to bring king geum-wa's personal letter to you.

Call him in.

Is it true that ju-mong came here as a special envoy?

That's right.

He's now inside meeting the governor.

"We don't need to resume trade relations with han, so stop meddling in our affairs"

the buyeo king is extremely rude, ungrateful, and downright shameless!

If there were no trade between buyeo and the han nation in the past, would buyeo be the nation it is today?!

What insolence!

The han nation did not help buyeo in any way at all.

They interfered in everything from court affairs to defiance.

If things didn't go their way, they would threaten to suspend trade or start wars!

Like us, you also descended from the tree of the sacred shrine, and you were even a prince of gyeh-ma nation.

The han nation used to hold you hostage, torturing and humiliating you.

What made you say those words to us?!

Hyeon-to city governor. Smarten up and listen carefully!

From now on, buyeo will not tolerate interventions and threats from any country!

If the han nation acts otherwise, buyeo will mobilize our troops first.

This is a warning.

Damn it!

Your highness!

What are you doing here?

I need to talk to you.

What are you doing here?

It's not for you to know.

What were you told to say to Yang-jeong?

That's not for you to know either.

Here, I am not your younger brother.

Standing before you is a special envoy representing the king.

I want to know what the eldest prince of buyeo is doing in an enemy country.

Damn you!

Do you think you're the crown prince now just because you made a petty achievement?

Get a grip.

This isn't the end yet.

Oh-yi

what is it?

Brother hyeop-Bo! Brother ma-ri!

Hey! Please wake up!

What happened?

Do-chi is selling bu-young to a slave trader from the han nation!

What?!

What the...

That bastard!

What's the matter?

I heard you're selling bu-young to a slave trader from the han nation.

Wow, news travels fast.

How did you know about this?

Bu-young has such pretty features, so we were able to sell her for a high price.

You bastard...

Oh-yi, calm down.

When prince ju-mong comes back from hyeon-to city, he'll pay you an even higher price for her.

Please wait for him.

Too bad. We already sold her.

You can go now.

I need to see the chief.

Why would the chief meet a block like you?

Chief!

How was it?

I'm sure they will bite the bait soon.

Are you sure this time nothing will go wrong?

Trust me. I am absolutely sure!

He said he will rescue bu-young after returning from the journey.

But look at this!

Hey, oh-yi, you know he didn't have the time.

Immediately after returning, his majesty sent him off to hyeon-to city.

He couldn't help it either.

We have no choice but to wait until he comes back.

What if the slave trader takes her away before that?

Do you understand what I am saying?

I need to see chief yeon ta-bal.

What for?

I need money.

What?

Oh-yi

oh-yi

nothing's going to stop him now. Leave him alone.

Going to go-San nation was a good experience for you

chief.

A guy called oh-yi wants to see you.

Oh-yi? Who's he?

He's one of prince ju-mong's bodyguards.

- Bring him in. - Huh? All right.

Why did you want to see me?

Please lend me some money...

What! Money?

How dare you ask him for money!

Forgive me

go, go!

Leave him alone.

How much do you need?

I only need 10,000 coins.

10,000 coins? You are too much!

You are too much!

10,000 coins. How are you going to use this money?

I can't tell you.

You want me to lend you 10,000 coins without knowing the reason?

You are quite interesting.

Since you explained so briefly, I shall reply briefly too.

No.

I'll pay you back, even if it means giving you my life.

Please lend it to me.

How much do you think your life is worth?

I'm a businessman.

If I can gain profit after I invest my money, I am willing to pay any amount.

But your life right now isn't worth 10,000 coins at all.

Look for me again next time when you're worth 10,000 coins.

Oh-yi.

The solution cannot be found in the bottle.

Let's wait a little while more for prince ju-mong to return.

That boy... really..

What's all this commotion about?

Forgive me.

Get out of here now!

What are you doing?

Please don't sell bu-young!

Too late. I already sold her.

If you try, you can get her back, can't you?

I'll do anything!

Please! Please don't sell her!

So, you will do everything I say?

Yes!

Brother! It's me, young-po

come in.

He is the one.

Are you working for ju-mong?

Yes.

Do you know what kind of work ju-mong is currently involved in?

Quick say it!

Tell us what that fella's doing for the crown prince competition.

Prince ju-mong said that in order to be ahead in the crown prince competition,

he will focus all his efforts on developing steel weapons.

So, together with the ironware workshop leader, mo pal-mo,

he is trying to discover the secret to the puddling steel method.

Puddling steel method?

Poh Kim

don't be nervous

just answer my questions

at which stage...

Is the iron weaponry development now?

Before long

there'll be leads in the different areas

are you really just at the stage of wrought iron

ls there no progress at all?

As a matter of fact

there's a superb solution...

To the crisis...

That your highness is facing

has it been discovered...

That I broke the sacred bow?

Do you also know that.

Jumong broke the dae mool bow?

Chief yeon ta-bal

could you also give me a helping hand?

I want to have soseono as my wife

please Grant me my wish

prince daeso has proposed to me

stop my heart from swaying

can you help me?